Complicated

Chapter 64: Taken

At each open door to the Glade we had a pile of all the extra wood we could find, all the grease, fat oil; anything we could fine that would light on fire. We had small groups of Gladers brave enough to stay outside and wait. Everyone else we sent into the Home Stead. 

Minho, Thomas and I were at one entrance. Newt, and (to my surprise) Gally were stationed at the North entrance. Frypan, Winston and Zart were at the East doors. Vinny, Russ, the Bagger Keeper, and Alby were at the West entrance. A few other Gladers were spread out with each of the entrances and Keepers. Jeff and Clint tried to insist on being with us, but Newt put his foot down and said we would probably need them later, and what good would they be to us if they were injured themselves, they were our only MedJacks. But they were ready with packs of supplies to come help and run between the doors if and when needed.

The sun had set a while ago. It was eerie that the doors were wide open at night. The low sliding rumble of walls shifting and the rusty gears grinding were bad enough, but then came the unmistakable signs of Grievers. The whirring, the sharp sliding of metal on metal, the weird creepy moaning purr and the animalistic machine screech. To top it off the slow methodical metal on stone, the long sharp blade like legs stabbing into the ground like an awful battle drum beat. 

I felt my pulse quicken, I could feel the fear and adrenalin rushing through my body. I could feel the tension and anxiety from the others around me, and I'm sure it was the same at every entrance. Just waiting for these stupid things to show up. 

"Steady!" Minho yelled at the Gladers. His grim face was set and he tightened his grip on the spear. I took a deep breath and slowly let it out.

Breath, Sparky

I'm trying. You're with me?

Always. We do this together.

I tightened the straps on my backpack, and readjusted the knives I had strapped to my belt and thigh. The plan, was, if we survived, for Thomas, Minho and I to chase the Grievers and see where they went after. So we all had our runners pack, we all had water, med supplies and a small snack, just in case. Minho had the key in his pack. We had a plan...now if it would work...that was the question.

The noises of Grievers were getting louder. Everyone's anxiety increased. Including mine. My lungs felt tight.  Regret and fear filled me, what if the last words I said to him were spat in his face, 'No, just drug me and lock me away.' I didn't even tell him I loved him back. I had told him I hated him. I didn't really! Maybe because I had also gone through the changing...or maybe because I was just beat down and I was twisted or jacked from living in this shucked place for so long...I understood WHY he did it- I didn't approve of it at all, and I was hurt and angry that he actually did it..but I could understand his reasons behind his horrible actions. And just those few thoughts alone nearly made me abandon my post and run towards the other side of the Glade. 

I should have forgiven Gally! Tommy, what if one or both of us don't make it?

I wont let that happen Charlie. You'll see him...

I wish I had your optimism. 

Well...it's that or I panic and cry like a baby in the corner.

That was...honest. 

"BRACE YOURSELVES!" Minho yelled.

Out of the gloom came the huge figure of the Griever. It slowly stormed down the hall towards us. The moaning making shivers run down my back. 

Still with me?

Always, Tommy!

I hardened my resolve, I ad to steal myself for this. I knew it was going to be brutal. These Creators hadn't taken it easy on us before, why would the ending be any better?